Liam Gilbert, the manager of Reading, keeps a positive view despite the Royals having a difficult week. Reading wants to get back to winning after their Championship match at Sunderland last weekend and their midweek match against WSL team Tottenham. Consistency is the key to this.
Gilbert applauds the group’s openness to criticism and growth following last week’s games as they get ready to play Sheffield United on Sunday. “The camp has had a solid week, with insightful input and analysis following last week’s games. Despite the outcomes, there were plenty of gains to be made.
“Hopefully, the Sunderland game was just a slight setback, and we can return to delivering consistent performances. We’ve engaged in honest and constructive conversations as individuals and as a team, pinpointing areas for improvement. This is a step forward for all of us.
“If you look at the Lewes game, we weren’t as strong as we should have been in the first half, but in the second half, our performance was much more consistent. It’s about demanding more from ourselves throughout the entire 90 minutes, instead of leaving ourselves with work to do in the latter stages. We need to play the type of football we know we’re capable of.”
Amid a congested fixture list, Gilbert finds solace in this weekend’s home game. “In our last three games, there’s been a lot of traveling involved. Of course, midweek fixtures don’t allow much time for proper preparation and reflection.
“This weekend provides an opportunity to regain the consistency we’ve demonstrated in front of our home fans. Sheffield is coming off the back of two losses, but that doesn’t diminish the challenge they pose. We’ve seen how unpredictable this league can be; Southampton lost before facing us, and we know how that went.
“I’d love to see us play with the same steadiness we did before the Tottenham game and deliver a strong performance. We have our own goals, but Sheffield will come to our stadium with something to prove. Setting the right expectations and acting ethically are crucial. The triumphs, perhaps, will follow if we give everything we have for each other, are bold, and live up to the standards we’ve set for ourselves.
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